Jewell Loyd had been a cornerstone of the Seattle Storm franchise for 10 years, since being selected No. 1 overall in the 2015 WNBA Draft. She was a six-time WNBA All-Star and a key player in the Storm’s two WNBA championships in 2018 and 2020, as well as the 2021 Commissioner’s Cup. In 2023, she led the league in scoring, averaging 24.7 points per game.
However, after the 2024 WNBA season, Loyd reportedly expressed a strong desire for a change of scenery. She shared that she wanted to “get me out” of Seattle, indicating a need for a new start. Loyd stated, “Physically, mentally, emotionally, cannot be worse. I guarantee you, I will put my life savings on this – It can’t be worse.” This sentiment, combined with a reported trade request, set the stage for her departure.
The trade was a massive move in the WNBA offseason, sending a prominent star to a direct rival and reshaping the landscape for multiple contenders. For the Las Vegas Aces, acquiring Loyd meant adding another scoring powerhouse and two-time WNBA champion to their already formidable roster alongside A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray, despite the departure of another All-Star guard in Kelsey Plum. Loyd expressed excitement about joining the Aces, stating, “I’m beyond excited to join the Las Vegas Aces and be part of such a highly driven organization. The culture, the energy, and the passion this team plays with is something I’ve always respected. I can’t wait to hit the court alongside this incredible group of players and contribute to the continued success of the Aces!”
For the Seattle Storm, trading Loyd, even after giving her the core designation (which allowed them to control her negotiating rights and facilitate a trade), marked a significant shift for the franchise. The Storm’s decision to move on from Loyd, despite her star power, was a strategic one aimed at acquiring high draft picks and other assets to rebuild or retool their roster. Receiving the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft and a 2026 first-round pick from Las Vegas provided them with valuable capital for future development.
The prompt also mentions Gabby Williams’s core classification by Seattle, noting it didn’t surprise her or her representatives, and that they had been collaborating closely with the Storm.
Gabby Williams, a versatile forward known for her defensive prowess and playmaking, was indeed given the core designation by the Seattle Storm on January 14, 2025. This move secured the Storm’s exclusive negotiating rights to her. Despite previous uncertainties about her WNBA future due to overseas commitments, Williams ultimately re-signed with the Seattle Storm. This indicates that the collaboration between Williams and her representatives with the Storm was successful, leading to an agreement that allowed her to remain with the team. Her core designation, unlike Loyd’s, led to her retention rather than a trade. Williams is now enjoying a career season in 2025 with the Storm, averaging 14 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds, and has significantly improved her three-point shooting.
In summary, Jewell Loyd was traded by the Seattle Storm to the Las Vegas Aces as part of a significant three-team deal during the 2025 WNBA offseason, while Gabby Williams, also cored by the Storm, chose to re-sign and remain in Seattle. These moves highlight the strategic use of the core designation and the dynamic nature of player movement in the WNBA.
